1972 Black Hills-Rapid City Flood

WHAT HAPPENED: Rains over the Black Hills produced record floods on Rapid Creek and other area streams. Heavy debris in the floodwaters clogged the spillway of the Canyon Lake Dam, which failed, sending a flood wave into Rapid City. Much of the damage occurred because people were living in the floodway. After the event, housing was relocated, but many businesses were allowed to remain.